This is the first year for the MN SPJ’s “Best Use of Public Records” category. Unlike other award categories, this one is open to all media of any size and only three awards are given.

The exclusive multipart “Minnesota and the Man Known as ‘Bobby Thompson’” series began on DumpBachmann.com and continued on Ripple In Stillwater. It detailed the Minnesota operations and Republican political connections of an allegedly fraudulent charitable organization called the U.S. Navy Veterans Association. The group was led by a man known as "Bobby Thompson" who, the Ohio attorney general’s office has charged, stole that identity. It raised more than $1.5 million in Minnesota over a six-year period but did little apparent charitable work.

Ohio has issued a nationwide warrant for “Thompson,” who has been on the lam since the St. Petersburg Times newspaper began investigating him in 2009. He’s been charged with identity fraud, corruption, money laundering and theft. He and the Navy Vets group are under investigation by several other states’ attorneys general, including Minnesota, as well as the IRS and Veterans Administration.

“Thompson” gave tens of thousands of dollars to Minnesota Republican candidates and party units, including $21,500 to former Sen. Norm Coleman. Two of his last known political contributions anywhere were $10,000 to a Michele Bachmann fundraiser featuring Sarah Palin and $5,000 to a GOP-leaning Minnesota political action committee called Patriot PAC, both in April 2010.

The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board is investigating political contributions made by “Thompson” under that name and another phony name he’s suspected of using.

Minnesota media, with the exception of former St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter Jason Hoppin, largely ignored the "Bobby Thompson" story while it became nationwide news everywhere else

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Ripple in Stillwater

Ripple in Stillwater is the sole creation of Stillwater, Minnesota, writer Karl Bremer. It covers whatever captures the author's muse at the moment. You can reach Ripple in Stillwater at saintcroix-at-aol-dot-com, or you can follow me on Twitter @kdbremer. If you're wondering about the name of this blog, go here.

Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists 2011 Page One Award Winner

Ripple in Stillwater author Karl Bremer won Second Place in the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists 2011 Page One Awards for "Best Use of Public Records."

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THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR RIGHT-WING FRIENDS AND RELATIVES!

The Madness of Michele Bachmann is now available! Ask your friendly bookstore to order it now, or order yours by clicking on the image above.

OLD BAYOU BLUES BY CAMILE BAUDOIN

Living room music from legendary Radiators guitarist Camile Baudoin, featuring violinist Harry Hardin and guitarist David Doucet (Beausoleil). Available through Louisiana Music Factory, iTunes, and Amazon. Or click on the image above, order direct and get a FREE download @ camilebaudoin.com

BLUE GUITAR HIGHWAY by PAUL METSA

The reelin' and rockin' autobiography of one of Minnesota's most brilliant songwriters. Click on the book cover above to order.

THE BUTANES featuring Willie Walker: LONG TIME THING

The latest release from Twin Cities r&b stalwarts The Butanes, featuring the soulful voice of New Orleans' Willie Walker. Click on image to order yours!